As a child, there was nothing better than a snow day. Whether you put your spoon under your pillow, wore your PJs inside out, or flushed ice cubes down the toilet, there was no greater joy than going to bed with the potential of waking up to a world covered in snow . . . and no school!
Snow days look a little different nowadays. Many schools have asynchronous learning days, and your kiddos may need to hop on their device to complete an assignment before starting their snow day fun. Likewise, you may now be working remotely in a home full of rambunctious children. Whether your snow day means getting outside for adventure or keeping little ones entertained indoors, this guide is packed with ideas to help you create memories for your kids on their day off of school.
Get Outside
Nothing says “snow day” like some good old-fashioned sledding and outdoor play. Below are some suggestions for local parks with great hills.
Roosevelt Park
Originally built in 1935 as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, this historic park has become one of Albuquerque’s most beloved sledding spots. Its 14 acres, dotted with tall trees, turn into a winter wonderland after a snowfall. In addition to its beauty, the park’s natural bowl shape creates plenty of perfect places to sled.
Santa Fe Village Park (Next to the Taylor Ranch Library)
If you are looking for a sledding option on the west side of town, this park is your best bet. The park’s slopes provide lots of space for sledding without being too steep.
For even more suggestions, including spots beyond Albuquerque, check out this article.
Create a Cozy Environment at Home
Sometimes the most memorable snow days are the ones spent in a homemade blanket fort or cuddled up on the couch watching a movie marathon. If staying indoors is more your vibe, check out these simple ideas to elevate the experience.
Make the Moment with Music
Sometimes the perfect playlist makes all the difference. If you have a smart TV, you can turn on a YouTube video with a snowy, atmospheric background and chill tunes to set the mood. These lofi, jazz, and acoustic playlists are all over four hours and would make the perfect backdrop to cozy up with a book or some toys.
Movie Marathon Magic
The beauty of a snow day is that anything goes! Snow days are the perfect excuse to toss the rules and let the kids watch hours of movies guilt-free. A cozy movie marathon on a day they would normally be in school is something your kids will remember fondly. Here is a roundup of kid-friendly winter-themed movies, complete with where to find them on each streaming service.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Nothing says cozy like a big mug of hot chocolate. A packet of Swiss Miss or any other hot chocolate mix gets the job done. However, this easy recipe is so good, you may want to stock up on the ingredients just in case you find yourself stuck inside on a snowy day.
Cozy Crafts
If your schedule allows you to supervise, crafts can be the perfect indoor activity. Snow days are definitely not the day to run to the craft store, so the best activities are ones that use supplies you already have on hand. This recipe for salt dough ornaments uses ingredients most people have in their pantry. Your kids can make ornaments, coasters, picture frames, and so much more.
Get Out That Energy and Excitement
For many of us, a snow day means juggling work and trying to create fun memories, all while attempting to maintain our sanity. Below are some super simple, low prep activities to get your kids moving.
Painter’s Tape Fun
If you don’t have some rolls of painter’s tape in your house, this is your sign to get some. Painter’s tape can provide endless entertainment for kiddos with very little prep. This blog post has several ideas for how to use tape to set up simple activities to keep your kids busy for hours.
Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
This activity is quick to set up but will keep your little ones busy for quite some time! You will need sticky notes or 26 small pieces of paper. On each piece of paper, write a letter of the alphabet. Once you have each letter, hide them around the house. Next, task your children with finding all 26 letters. The one who finds the most letters wins!
Picture Relay
For this activity, you can print a picture or use the cover of a book. Pick an image to be your “model picture.” Place this model picture on a table, desk, or tape it to the wall. Sit children on the opposite side of the room (or house!) from the model picture. Give each child a piece of blank paper and a writing utensil. Set a timer (5 – 10 minutes works well) and tell children they need to try to recreate the model picture to the best of their ability. However, they cannot touch the model picture or move their piece of paper. That means that each time they want to look at it, they need to run to the picture, run back, and draw what they remember. When the timer goes off, compare each child’s masterpiece!
Utilize Technology for Movement
There are lots of great interactive YouTube videos to get kids up and moving! Channels like Coach Corey Martin and PE with Mr. G have themed brain break and freeze dance videos designed to burn some energy while having fun. This article has even more suggestions for YouTube channels that promote movement.
